Blog

Top 5 Most Common Felonies

Felonies are considered more serious than other crimes, such as misdemeanors. The prison time for felonies is more severe than less significant crimes, due to their nature.

Some of the most common felonies and their possible sentences include, but are not limited to:

Drug Abuse/Possession. Drug addiction is a serious illness that requires a cure, not punishment. With drug addiction comes underground drug trafficking, which when discovered, comes with serious repercussions. The most significant drug possession felonies include upwards of a $50,000 fine and 30 years in state prison.

Property Crimes/Theft. Sentencing for grand theft in the first-degree, which is the least severe, may come with any combination of the following penalties: a minimum of 21 months in prison, a maximum of 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation or a fine of up to $10,000.

Certain theft cases lack proof that the taker had the intent to steal, which is required to be charged under Florida law.

Child Abuse. This crime is considered a third-degree felony and may include either five years in prison, five years on probation or upwards of $5,000 in fines.

Rape. If someone is convicted of rape or sexual battery, he/she may face a maximum sentence of life in prison and a minimum of nine years. As a result, it is imperative to evaluate defenses such as consent or false allegations.

Assault. Like child abuse, assault is also considered a third-degree felony, punishable with up to five years in prison, five years probation or upwards of $5,000 in fines.

Certain threat and/or taunting defense cases can be constructed to lower the severity of the sentence given when charged.

In addition to the punishments above, some of the additional repercussions for those who are charged with such include, the loss of the right to vote, future job opportunities, license could be revoked and loss of the right to carry.

Residents of New Port Richey, Florida and its surrounding areas should value their right to a fair trial and opt for those with expertise, such as Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, who will represent them to the utmost degree.